Territorian takes up gig in Manchester to further career

A Territorian hockey player has moved across the world to push hone his craft and push his case to crack into the national squad. Read about his journey.

Zach Rakkas lining up a shot on goal against Brisbane Blaze during the 2024 Festival of Hockey in Darwin. Picture: HockeyNT.

Zach Rakkas has taken matters into his own hands following the Territory Stingers’ exclusion from Hockey One.

The formidable striker has already had to venture south and west of the border previously to compete at the highest level, with a stint at Adelaide Fire in 2022 and gigs in the Perth premier league.

Now, the former Australian under-21 representative has gone abroad to hone his craft in England’s premier division, playing for Manchester’s Bowdon HC.

“Since the Stingers’ exclusion from the senior pathway since 2018, and with Hockey NT’s recent bid to join Hockey One being unsuccessful, I had to look for high performance opportunities elsewhere,” Rakkas said.

“A Kookaburra teammate reached out to me about a club in the UK that needed a striker, and after some back and forth, I decided to take the offer.

“Like many of my Stingers teammates who have gone overseas in the last couple of years, it’s an important way to stay competitive and keep developing at a higher level.”

The transition to the new competition has been rocky for Rakkas, despite being one of the most dominant and skilful strikers HNT has ever seen.

Zach Rakkas in his new club colours, playing for Bowdon HC in England's premier men's league. Picture: David Bellin/hockeytoday.co.uk

It has been a difficult start to the season for Rakkas’ new club as it is still adjusting to the higher quality of competition, having just been promoted from Division 2.

Missing the opening two matches of the season in which Bowdon lost 6-1 and 6-0, Rakkas’ debut came against East Grinstead a fortnight ago and at the weekend against Hampstead & Westminster.

“The competition here is strong and similar to what I’ve experienced in Perth, which is a great competition, but the style of play is very different,” Rakkas said.

“They focus more on possession and building up from the backline, whereas in Australia we tend to play a more aggressive, attacking game.

“It’s been a challenge to adjust, but a good one, and it’s something that will help round out my game … it will be good to bring these experiences back home.”

A Territory boy through and through, Rakkas is eager to pull on the light blue Stingers singlet

with Malaysia on his mind, as soon as his stint in England is finished.

“Looking ahead to Malaysia, I think we’re in a great position to perform well,” he said.

“The momentum and culture we’ve built, combined with the international exposure many of us have had, has really prepared us for this next step.

“Competing in the Malaysian Hockey League is a huge opportunity for us as a team and as individuals, and I’m confident that we’ll rise to the challenge.”

Originally published as Territorian takes up gig in Manchester to further career